ATLANTA -- Former Gov. Sonny Perdue won't run for the U.S. Senate in 2014.

The popular Republican confirmed his intentions in a lengthy statement Tuesday, four days after Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss announced he will not seek a third term.

Perdue, who is 66, left the governor's office in 2011 after two terms to return to the private sector.

He said in his statement that he's disappointed over the dysfunction in Washington but now is not the time for him to re-enter the political arena. He cited his 12 grandchildren and said he has a 13th on the way.

Several Republicans, including several sitting congressmen, are considering a bid. Some GOP players say they want to avoid a bitter primary that pits tea party conservatives against mainstream Republicans.